The old master's shoulders sagged slightly, a mix of frustration and resignation flickering across his face. He clenched his hands at his sides, trying to maintain his composure.
"Jiho," he said quietly, "you need to understand. This marriage—"
Jiho's eyes flashed with a cold, hard light. "Understand what?" she snapped. "That you think you still have a say in my life? That you can dictate my choices?"
The old master's gaze softened, a pained look in his eyes. "I never intended to dictate your choices, Jiho," he said. "But this is different. The consequences—"
Jiho cut him off again, her voice rising. "Consequences? Do you think I haven't considered them? Do you think I'm doing this lightly?"
The old master took a step back, raising his hands in a placating gesture.
"No, Jiho, I don't. But there are things you don't know, things that could change everything."
